Top 5 Best Knife Block Sets for 2022

Knife block sets are essential for kitchens, especially if you are someone who cooks different kinds of foods on a regular basis. Vegetables, meat and roasts all require their own distinct knife that can help you achieve simple and perfect cuts, which is why having an entire set can come in handy. 

It is important, however, to opt for a reliable knife block set that has several kinds of knives, all of great quality. To help you out, we will take you through everything you need to know about knife block sets and how to buy one while also providing you with five of the best options out there. 

Take a look! 

Things to Consider

You must account for the following factors when it comes to opting for the best possible knife block set for yourself. You can go through these below. 

Types of Knives

There are various kinds of knives that tend to come in sets and that you can use in your kitchen. For instance, a chef’s knife can work for chopping vegetables like onions, tomatoes, garlic and others, a utility knife for slicing and cutting smaller fruits and vegetables, a peeling knife, a paring and serrated knife and a carving knife, among others. 

Each of these knives has blades of different sizes in addition to the variations in the serration, allowing you to utilize them for all kinds of tasks. Make sure you look closely at the kinds of knives available to you in the set that you want to buy as well as how many of them there are. 

Personal Requirements

Take your own personal preferences and requirements into account when it comes to the knife block set that you opt for. For instance, if you have a small kitchen and only require certain kinds of knives for chopping and cooking, it might be better for you to buy smaller sets instead of those that offer too many pieces. 

Additionally, if you largely cook vegetarian food, you should pick your knives accordingly, with a chef’s knife, peeling knife, paring knife and bread knife being sufficient. 

On the other hand, steak knives and carving knives might be more useful if you also tend to cook meats of various kinds. 

Knife Block

You should note that the knife block is actually a crucial part of your knife set considering that it can protect your knives to a large extent from damage in the kitchen. For instance, since you can manage to keep the blade inside the carved-out space in the block, you can ensure that it keeps from rusting or getting cut or nicked. 

This is quite useful for durability and long-term storage as compared to keeping it out in the open. Additionally, since you will not be mixing in different knives with each other, you can also prevent the spread of any bacteria that is more likely to take place if you bundle them up. 

Style

There are different styles of knives depending on where you live and what the common eating and cooking practices are. For instance, in America, knives are a bit on the heavier side considering the popularity of meat and vegetables like potatoes in the diet. 

On the other hand, Asian knives are a lot finer and more intricate so that you can achieve more accurate cuts. You might, for instance, find a knife called santoku in some sets that you can use for finer slicing. 

European knives also have an emphasis on slicing and cutting, with many having slightly bent blades. 

Material

Knives are usually made from stainless steel and carbon, a combination of which can make them more durable, reliable and resistant to rusting. Using only one of the two might make the knives either more prone to rusting or quicker to become blunt. 

How exactly these knives are made can matter here too. A process called forging can make the edge of the knives more efficient as compared to stamped ones. 

The handle is usually made from anodized aluminum or epoxy resin, many often coming with additional support that can allow for additional sturdiness. It is, therefore, essential for you to confirm the material that each knife is made from. 

Comfort

Comfort is one of the most important elements involved. Although it might take you some time to actually get used to the feel of the knife, it is important for you to feel comfortable sooner rather than later. 

Part of this includes a good grip on the handle that can help you maintain control and movement while chopping, carving or peeling with minimum risk of injuring yourself. 

The weight of the overall knife should also be well balanced instead of being too concentrated on one part unless the knife is a specialty knife. There are now many online resources that can give you a better idea about the comfort level such as virtual reality simulations. 

Try these out and attempt reading up some more so that you get a better idea. 

Cost

You must also consider the cost of the entire knife block set to ensure that it falls within your budget. You might find options ranging from $20 to as much as $500, so make it a point to take your requirements and restrictions into account. 

If you think you might be okay with a smaller knife set that costs you up to $100, then this can work well for your kitchen and still be durable. You can, of course, still buy the bigger sets if you have the budget for it and have more than a passing interest in cooking. 

How to Clean and Sharpen Your Knives

You should note here that despite the fact that you have a knife block to protect your knives and minimize the damage caused to them, you will still need to clean them on a regular basis and keep sharpening them once in a while. 

One thing to take care of here is to ensure that you always wash and clean your knives using warm water and dish soap using your hands instead of popping them into the dishwasher so as to maintain the condition of the blades and to properly get rid of any food particles. Once in a while in the dishwasher, however, might be okay. 

When it comes to sharpening your knives, you can make use of electric or manual sharpeners or even whetstones if you have the time to spare. If you are uncomfortable carrying this out on your own, you can simply opt for professional services and shops that can do this for you on a regular basis. 

Do make it a point to sharpen your knives the moment you notice that they are making blunt and difficult cuts. Not cutting them often can result in injuries and can also take up plenty of time. 

Best Knife Block Sets

There are several knife block sets out there, which is why knowing which ones to pick can make a huge difference to your experience in the kitchen. You can go through some options along with their reviews so that you can come to a fair conclusion. 

Cangshan Z1 Series 1024197 German Steel Knife Set

The Cangshan Z1 Series Knife Block Set includes a whopping 17 pieces of knives as part of the purchase. These knives are all handcrafted and have full tang blades that can offer a good amount of durability, reliability, sharpness and accurate function depending on the kind of knife you are using and for what purpose. 

Winner of the 2019 Houseware Design Award, these knives can also offer a good amount of resistance against stain and corrosion, not to mention that the edge of the blade tends to last much longer too. 

To make and develop these knives, an ultra6 stage heat process or treatment is used, providing an increased amount of strength and utility to them. You can use these knives for carrying out a variety of tasks, such as chopping vegetables, slicing, peeling, cracking, deboning, filleting and more. 

Washing the knives is also quite simple considering that you can make use of dish soap and warm water. 

Features

The kinds of knives included in this set include an 8” chef's knife, 7” santoku knife, 8” bread knife, 5” serrated utility knife, 6” boning knife, 3.5” paring knife, 5” tomato knife, 6 x 5” serrated steak knives, 8” honing steel, 2.75” peeling knife, 9” two-piece shears as well as six steak knives, and a walnut wood block to store all the knives. 

Each of the knives also have blades that have been sharpened by hand, allowing for more precision. They have a 16-degree angle on each side. 

The handles of each knife, moreover, are white in color, although you can also opt for black handles at the same price. These all provide a strong grip, comfort and flexibility as well. 

Pros

Considering that there are 17 types of knives, you can put your knife block set to great use by being able to carry out numerous kinds of tasks with them. The high carbon stainless steel material can also make the knife last longer and make more accurate cuts, not to mention that the serrated blades can enhance this. 

Since the grip is strong and secure too, you can manage to carry out your chopping even if you need to prep for hours together. 

You can also access a lifetime warranty in case you come across any manufacturing defects. 

Cons

The main disadvantage of this knife block set is that it is quite expensive and might not work for casual purposes. You also cannot put it in the dishwasher. 

Farberware 22-Piece High-Carbon Stainless Steel Knife Set 

The Farberware Knife Set also includes knives made from high carbon stainless steel. There are a total of 22 pieces in this set that you can use for a variety of purposes and tasks in the kitchen. 

The handles of these knives are black in color and come with a light wooden block with cuts included for each kind of knife. Each of these knives have sharp edges and are all crafted to achieve precise and accurate cuts while still ensuring a good grip. 

Some other accessories included in this purchase include five measuring spoons, a pair of shears and three spatulas. 

Features

Apart from the shears, spatulas and measuring spoons, the knives included in this set include an 8” chef knife, 8” bread knife, 5” santoku, 5.5” serrated utility knife, 4” utility knife, 3.5” paring knife along with six 4.5” steak knives. 

These knives are easy to care for and clean as long as you use warm water and dish soap each time you are done using them. 

These knives also have triple-riveted handles and an ergonomic textured grip. The blades have razor-sharp edges and you can carry out tasks like chopping, slicing, peeling, deboning and more with them. 

Pros

There are several benefits of owning and using this knife block set. For instance, at an extremely affordable price, you can own the full set that includes 22 pieces, including knives, spatulas, shears and measuring spoons, saving you the need to buy each of these separately at higher prices. 

Given that the edges and blades are sharp and crafted for accurate cuts, you can use the knives safely and achieve the results you want. The handles also have a firm and comfortable grip in case you need to use the knives for a long time. 

You can access a limited lifetime warranty in case there are any defects. 

Cons

These knives can be quite prone to rust and can also be a bit flimsy in terms of their structure, making it easier for errors and injuries to take place. 

McCook MC29 15-Piece Knife Set

The McCook MC29 Knife Set includes 15 pieces that are all made from German stainless steel (GSS) and come with a full tang in the blades. The GSS includes a high carbon content as well, ensuring that the knives have a good amount of protection against rust and damage. 

The handles and blades are both silver in color, giving a sleek appearance to them, with the wooden block being of dark hardwood. 

Made using taper grind technology, these knives can offer precision, sharpness and a great deal of variety given the options that you have in terms of the tasks that you can carry out. 

You can wash these knives using warm water and soap and should avoid putting them in the dishwasher to protect their quality. 

Features

The pieces included in this set include an 8” chef knife, 5” santoku knife, 8” slicing knife, 5.5” serrated utility knife, 5” utility knife, six 4.5” steak knives, 3.5” paring knife, two pairs of kitchen shears and a hardwood knife block. 

The knife block also includes a manual sharpener on one edge that you can use whenever your knives start becoming a bit blunt. Additionally, all the knives in this set can offer rust resistance as well as resistance against stains and tarnishes. 

Pros

The technology that is used to make and develop these blades can help ensure plenty of precision and accuracy while also allowing you to chop, cut, debone, peel and more seamlessly. The handles can enhance the experience since they come with a strong grip as well as comfortable usage. 

Since the block comes with a sharpener included, you can simply rub your knife against it for convenient sharpening instead of spending extra money on professional sharpeners or services. 

Many knives also have serrations that can allow you to carry out more accurate and delicate cuts. The set is also quite affordable. 

Cons

You cannot wash these knives in the dishwasher, so you will have to handwash them after every use. 

HENCKELS Statement Kitchen Knife Set 

The HENCKELS Statement Kitchen Knife Set includes 15 pieces as part of the purchase. It also comes with a light brown wood block with carved-out spaces for each of the knives. 

Made using high carbon stainless steel, these knives can offer durability, accuracy as well as resistance against rust so as to ensure cleanliness and health standards while you use them. 

All the knives come with a full tang design and are also pretty lightweight, allowing you to comfortably carry out all your tasks in the kitchen. While these knives are safe to put in the dishwasher, it is better to handwash them. 

Features

The pieces included in this set include a 3” paring knife, 7” santoku knife with a hollow edge, 5” serrated utility knife, 8” bread knife, 8” chef’s knife, six 4.5” steak knives, a hardwood block and a pair of kitchen shears. 

The handles of each of these knives are silver and black in color and come with an ergonomic grip and stability that can provide support, comfort, movement and flexibility without causing much strain on your wrists. 

The handles are additionally triple-riveted and can offer a good amount of balance. 

Pros

These knives are light to use and can allow you to keep using them for hours on end. This function is particularly enhanced by the fact that the grip is comfortable and strong. 

Since the handle is slightly curved towards the end, you can also expect good support for your palm. 

Additionally, with 15 pieces included in the set, you can use the knives and shears for carrying out various kinds of tasks in the kitchen with all kinds of foods. 

A sharpening steel is included as part of the block so that you can sharpen your knives at no added cost. 

Cons

Some knives can be a bit dull when you try to use them for the first time. The set is also more on the expensive side. 

Master Maison 19-Piece Premium Black Kitchen Knife Set

The Master Maison Premium Black Kitchen Knife includes 19 pieces in the set, all of which are made from German stainless steel (GSS) with high carbon content. This material can ensure that you can keep using the knives for a long time without any risk of quick rusting or damage. 

The knives all have carved out spaces in the black wooden storage block to help ensure that they remain clean and free from too much damage that they would otherwise go through out in the open. 

The handles of the knives are black in color with a bit of silver, offering a sleek appearance. 

Features

The 19 pieces in this set include an 8” chef’s knife, 8” carving knife, 3.5” paring knife, 7” santoku knife, 8” serrated bread knife, 5” utility knife, six 4.5” serrated steak knives, all-purpose household shears, a knife sharpener, and a wooden storage block. 

The blades of the knives offer stain resistance along with rust resistance. The handles of the knives, moreover, come with a strong and comfortable grip that you can use to ensure that you can work comfortably and with plenty of flexibility and support, minimizing the risk of injury. 

The wooden block also includes a sharpener for your knives. 

Pros

Since there are 19 knives, you can use them for a variety of purposes without needing to mix everything up. This can give you plenty of options and sufficient durability as well. The knives are quite lightweight as well. 

Since the block comes with a built-in sharpener, you can simply carry out the sharpening process regularly and conveniently without needing to spend any extra money. 

There is a year-long unlimited warranty in case there are any defects or you need to access replacements and repairs. 

Cons

The steak knives can sometimes be difficult to use. 

The Bottom Line

Now that you know about some options when it comes to the best knife block sets, you can pick one that works best for you. The Cangshan option is certainly a premium and effective choice, although you can also opt for any of the others based on your budget and requirements. 

Make sure you also keep the buying factors and maintenance requirements in mind.